James ‘Radio’ Kennedy dead – Inspiration for Cuba Gooding Jr movie Radio dies aged 73
HIGH school football legend “Radio” Kennedy has died aged 73 after a long illness.
Kennedy inspired the iconic 2003 film of the same name that traced his heartwarming friendship with a South Carolina sports team.
Radio, who had severe learning disabilities, forged a life-long friendship with football coach Harold Jones, who announced his death on Sunday morning.
“He was just a fine man,” he said.
“We all loved him. We will miss him incredibly.”
Their story of hope and friendship gained national attention in 1996, when Sports Illustrated ran a story that inspired the 2003 movie Radio where he was played by Cuba Gooding Jr.
Radio – who was rarely seen without his trusty transistor – was born in Anderson, South Carolina, on October 14, 1946.
He enrolled at Hanna High School where he became friends with Jones and helped coach the football and basketball team.